Banner poles dedicated in downtown Woodland

They were nearly four years in the making, but two cast-iron poles on either side of Main Street in downtown Woodland promise to take center stage when it comes to community events for decades to come.

Saturday morning, members of Luna Vista Rotary and the Woodland City Council, along with representatives from downtown businesses and city staff, dedicated the black, metal poles standing more than 25 feet tall. They are on the north and south sides of Main Street only a few feet west of Heritage Plaza at Second Street.

The project was initiated by the local Rotary Club as a way to announce and promote community events and to welcome visitors to Woodland. The poles presently have a "Welcome to Woodland" banner which spans Main Street.

Nick Pohl, Luna Vista president, explained the project had been discussed for several years, but formally began in the fall of 2011 when Planning Commissioners approved it.

Luna Vista Club member Doug Vanderpool spearheaded the project with city staff. He briefly complimented the efforts of city staff and other club members before untying a blue and white ribbon ceremoniously from the pole that stands in front of Ludy's Main St. BBQ.

Attending the ceremony were all five councilmembers, Tom Stallard, Bill Marble, Sean Denny and Jim Hilliard, along with Mayor Skip Davies.

Davies said he was happy to participate in dedicating such projects as the banner poles, along with other facilities such as the recent dedication of the restored Clark Field on Beamer Street, because they demonstrate that good things happen in Woodland.

The banner poles will give local service clubs and other nonprofit groups the opportunity to promote their events and fundraisers, Pohl explained.